2013 Algebra 2 Final Exam Study Guide

Red 3: 11:00-12:20 Thursday, June 13th 2013 (seniors Monday, June 3rd)


As with any test, the most important thing is that you demonstrate as much good mathematics as possible. This is your opportunity to show me what you've learned this semester. Use your time wisely- 80 minutes is a long time, but you will probably want to use it all for working and checking. Some of you will finish early. If you do, take a break and then start checking answers and re-doing those that are incorrect.

Coverage & Exam Format:

The exam will have 50+ questions assessing all the material we studied this semester. Some questions will be short answer; others will be multiple choice. The exam will consist of one computerized section where you may not use a calculator and one written section where you may use a calculator/laptop (no internet). The written section will include a Supercorrection section consisting of six questions directly from your past Supercorrected tests! Our four second semester units covered chapters 5-7 and some of chapter 8 in your text book.

The exam is 20% of your semester grade. To see how this one test affects your overall grade, copy this grade calculator to your Google Drive (File-Make a copy) and play...

To review:

  • Do the optional revision problems (and check your answers!): p. 552/1-38. Although only the material from Chapters 5-8 will be specifically tested on the exam, be sure you can do the problems covering Chapters 1-4 since math is cumulative!
  • Skim through the text to remind yourself of the topics. Pay particular attention to the bold vocabulary words and the blue boxed information. The chapter reviews highlight the Key Skills. The worked examples should all make sense now. If you need a different explanation than the text's, use Purplemath.com.
  • Do some self-correcting practice problems on the ThatQuiz website. The Algebra link is a good place to go...
  • Use the Khan Academy videos and practice problems for algebra!
  • Take a look at your Supercorrections from your old unit tests- are you prepared for the question that will come directly from each test? The best way to be prepared is to rework some of the problems from these tests. Here are blank copies of the three tests and the answer keys.
  • As you review, ask yourself what problems you should expect to see on the exam.
  • Take notes on your note card. Your note card can have formulas, definitions, reminders, words of wisdom, etc. There is only one requirements: all work on the note card must be in your own handwriting or typed by you.

On the day of the Final Exam:

  • Make sure you're well rested- don't stay up late the night before and then try to compensate with an energy drink. Energy drinks do not focus your mind- studies show they make it more difficult to think and concentrate.
  • Get to the exam early if possible.
  • Don't forget your note card!
  • Bring a ruler, pencil, eraser, graph paper, and calculator.

During the Final Exam:

  • Don't panic.
  • Remember that the only way to get a zero on the exam is to skip it, do nothing, or cheat.
  • On the multiple choice section, resist the temptation to just guess an answer. Do the problem as if it were not a multiple choice question, and then find your answer amongst the choices- if it's not there, look for your error!
  • Check, double check, triple check your answers.